SCDNR to hold free Labor Day Weekend inspections

MANNING - Keeping boaters and swimmers safe this Labor Day Weekend is the impetus behind the Department of Natural Resources courtesy boat inspections at Alex Harvin Landing as well as 20 other landings throughout South Carolina during the long holiday weekend.

Labor Day weekend not only wraps up a busy summer season on South Carolina lakes and waterways, but it's also one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. Hundreds, if not thousands, of boaters will be launching their watercrafts for a weekend of fun, and officers with SCDNR want to keep those boaters and their passengers safe.

Boating inspections will be conducted beginning Saturday, Aug. 31, through Tuesday, Sept. 2. SCDNR will be performing inspections at Alex Harvin Landing off S.C. 260 on Lake Marion from 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, Sept. 1.

SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will be performing free quick and thorough inspections of required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Boaters who are non-compliant will not be issued tickets. They will have the opportunity to correct their problems before launching their boat.

SCDNR officers answer questions about boating and give boaters and their passengers tips on how to stay safe on the water.

Log onto www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html or call (800) 277-4301 for a copy of South Carolina's boating regulations, to find local boating safety courses and to obtain a free float plan form.